0:00:02 > 0:00:06Hello, I'm Eric Knowles. Antiques and heirlooms, we've all got them.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09But are they tired, broken, faded and destined for the bin?
0:00:09 > 0:00:14On this programme, we could bring them back to life and maybe make you a bit of money.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Find out how on Restoration Roadshow.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26Welcome to Burghley House in Lincolnshire,
0:00:26 > 0:00:31built almost 500 years ago by Elizabeth I's closest adviser, William Cecil.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35Over the years, successive generations of the family
0:00:35 > 0:00:38have filled this place with amazing treasure.
0:00:38 > 0:00:44'It's family heirlooms like these that our Restoration Roadshow goers are queueing up to find out about.
0:00:44 > 0:00:50'What everyone wants to know is how much are they worth and can they be restored?'
0:00:50 > 0:00:53It's in a sad state, but it could come up quite nicely.
0:00:53 > 0:00:59'And if so, will they make a profit, should they decide to sell at auction?'
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- 220. 240. 260...- Come on, come on.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09'Coming up, we try to shake new life into this worn-out, antique baby's rattle.'
0:01:09 > 0:01:12It's a total disaster zone up here.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17'And can this family crest give its heirs the benefit of a sparkling education?'
0:01:17 > 0:01:23The eldest son of the eldest son who this gets passed to is also allowed a free place at Cambridge University.
0:01:23 > 0:01:29'And a bit of close investigation turns up a surprise for ceramics expert Roger Hawkins.'
0:01:29 > 0:01:33If the glass shelf hadn't collapsed, this would have collapsed anyway.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- 'But can he fix it?'- £300?
0:01:36 > 0:01:41- 'And will it seal the deal at auction?'- £200? 150 then?- Oh...
0:01:47 > 0:01:52'I'm delighted to be here in Lincolnshire for our Restoration Roadshow.
0:01:52 > 0:01:58'The locals have really done us proud. I've seen some antiques in my time, but I am impressed.'
0:01:58 > 0:02:03You can see it's actually eaten away. It's some form of acid or lacquer.
0:02:03 > 0:02:09'First to catch my eye is this battered sterling silver baby's rattle,
0:02:09 > 0:02:15'brought by owner Liz Rothera. They don't make 'em like this any more. But this one is no great shakes!'
0:02:15 > 0:02:21You're going to tell me that this was your rattle? If it was, you weren't a careful child.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25No, I wasn't. It was my rattle and it was my mother's before me.
0:02:25 > 0:02:31I was allowed to play with it as a child, then swiftly taken away once I'd broken it.
0:02:31 > 0:02:38- So you were responsible?- I think I was responsible for the break, yes. - Public admission.- Public admission.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43- Looking at it, you can see that it's got an entire bell missing. - Yes, it has.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46It's a total disaster zone up here, isn't it?
0:02:46 > 0:02:52I think we've got something of a chasm there which is going to need some attention.
0:02:52 > 0:02:58- I mean, in this condition, you're literally talking maybe £40, £50 at the tops.- Yeah.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01You're questioning whether it's going to be worth restoring?
0:03:01 > 0:03:08I think it'll be worth restoring just because of the family sentimentality issue.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11'What a remarkable story!
0:03:11 > 0:03:14'This elaborate piece of craftsmanship means a lot to Liz
0:03:14 > 0:03:19'as it once belonged to her mother who sadly died when she was just 56 years old.'
0:03:19 > 0:03:24Because my mother died so young and she never saw my children,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26these things become hugely important,
0:03:26 > 0:03:32so this is why I love this so much, it reminds me of my mother and everything that it meant to her.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36'What a shame this precious hand-me-down is in such a state!
0:03:36 > 0:03:41'But I know just the man to help and he's based right here at Burghley.
0:03:41 > 0:03:48'One of the many things that makes Burghley House so special is its emphasis on conservation.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53'The 18th century stables have been converted into workshops,
0:03:53 > 0:03:59'home to a team of expert restorers who can be called on at a moment's notice to support the house.
0:03:59 > 0:04:05'Barry Witmond is Burghley's resident gold and silversmith and with 40 years of experience,
0:04:05 > 0:04:09'I'm sure he can breathe new life into Liz's treasured heirloom.'
0:04:09 > 0:04:11It's Birmingham, date letter K.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15I'm more of a practical person than a theorist,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19but I assume it's round about 1909.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24- My grandmother was born in 1909. - Really?- Yes. Yes.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29I'm not sure who the maker is, but it's C and... It looks like a C and an N.
0:04:29 > 0:04:36I would be interested to have your much-valued opinion, Barry, as to what it would be worth,
0:04:36 > 0:04:41- had it been in absolutely tip-top condition. - Round about 300.- Wow!- £300.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Unfortunately, this has been totally ripped off.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49'Worth restoring then, but how much will it set Liz back?'
0:04:49 > 0:04:54Well, to restore this...completely,
0:04:54 > 0:04:59to replace the bells, to put a plate over there and put the holes back on,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- we're going to be looking at about £300.- OK.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- But there's a second choice, I think.- OK.
0:05:05 > 0:05:11As it's just going to be put in a cupboard, so it looks right, I would suggest we leave the bells.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14I will still put a plate completely over that
0:05:14 > 0:05:20and put some holes round the outside, so it keeps there, and then apply this on.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22The cost for that will be £40.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26OK. That sounds good. That sounds better.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31'Great stuff, Barry. Luckily, he has all the tools he needs in his workshop at Burghley.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35'But it's no small task repairing such a delicate thing
0:05:35 > 0:05:40'and it will be intriguing to see if Barry can pull this one out of the fire.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43'We're attracting quite a crowd here in Lincolnshire,
0:05:43 > 0:05:49'but nothing is too much for our experts, including this murky bit of family history,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53'belonging to Kent Perry. It's in desperate need of a makeover.'
0:05:53 > 0:05:59It's a very interesting crest. I'm intrigued to know that bit more about it, so tell me what you know.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01We think it's a family crest.
0:06:01 > 0:06:08We think that it's the crest of Bishop Alcock who is the founder of Jesus College, Cambridge,
0:06:08 > 0:06:12and supposedly, we are descended from him down the ages.
0:06:12 > 0:06:19I don't know how, I don't know where, I don't know if because he's meant to be a bishop, unmarried, no children,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22so the link is tenuous at best,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25but there is another story that my mother told me
0:06:25 > 0:06:30that the eldest son of the eldest son who this gets passed to
0:06:30 > 0:06:33is also allowed a free place at Cambridge University.
0:06:33 > 0:06:40So when I was 10 or 11 years old, my mother phoned them and wrote to them and asked them this question.
0:06:40 > 0:06:46And they replied saying, "Never heard of it, sorry." I don't know if the link is there or not.
0:06:46 > 0:06:52You're a very lucky young fellow to have something like this which has been passed down and passed down.
0:06:52 > 0:06:58This is a real family heirloom in every sense of the word. Where are you keeping it at the moment?
0:06:58 > 0:07:04I don't want to hang it up in the house because we've got a brand-new house and this looks really grotty.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- And I don't want...- Hang on. You think this looks grotty?
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- It looks grotty, even though it is family history and heritage.- Yeah.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- My girlfriend wouldn't have it put up in the house.- Really?
0:07:16 > 0:07:21If it looked a bit nicer and brighter, she might be more forthcoming with it.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26When it comes to value, has anybody considered what it might be worth?
0:07:26 > 0:07:30The money's not an issue because I'm not going to sell it.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34It wouldn't be worth anything to anyone, other than me and my family.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39I just want it cleaned up, so it looks good and it's an heirloom I can be proud of.
0:07:39 > 0:07:46'Our painting expert Lucia Scalisi has conserved everything from priceless Holbeins to Picassos.
0:07:46 > 0:07:52'Cleaning up 300 years of Kent's family history will be pretty challenging too.'
0:07:52 > 0:07:55So, Lucia, a bit of a challenge?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57It certainly is, Eric.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00These things... I think it's a hatchment.
0:08:00 > 0:08:06And these things would have been brought out on high days and holidays and mainly funerals
0:08:06 > 0:08:11and hung in the church and reflect the attachment of the person to the church.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14On the front, you see the level of discoloration.
0:08:14 > 0:08:20Every time they were brought out for whatever function they were brought out for, they would be oiled out.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25This builds up over the years and it becomes more and more discoloured.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29To improve the appearance, you can do a surface clean and a re-varnish.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33'Lucia uses a high-grade white spirit to show Kent
0:08:33 > 0:08:39'how bright the colours will be if he has it restored, but don't try this at home, folks.'
0:08:39 > 0:08:44You can see it re-saturates the colours. There is some gold on this.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47You can see the gold in those areas.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Is this labour-intensive?
0:08:49 > 0:08:55Is it going to take a lot of time and a considerable amount of money? It comes into the equation.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- Yes, definitely. - About 250, something like that.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- Yeah, go for it. - Family pride to the fore.- Exactly.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06'In its current state, it's probably worth around £200
0:09:06 > 0:09:09'and Lucia's charging 250 to clean it up.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11'I've done a bit of homework
0:09:11 > 0:09:16'and I think this family crest could be worth over £800 once restored.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19'So, it's money well spent in my book,
0:09:19 > 0:09:25'but only if Lucia can restore it without causing further damage to that fragile paintwork.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29'Our experts are working flat out,
0:09:29 > 0:09:34'prescribing restoration remedies for a whole host of intriguing paraphernalia,
0:09:34 > 0:09:36'all in need of urgent treatment.
0:09:36 > 0:09:42'Ceramics enthusiast Richard Lenton is a kindred spirit who loves his art pottery,
0:09:42 > 0:09:47'but sadly, his Doulton stoneware vase has suffered a serious mishap.'
0:09:47 > 0:09:53- It's no exaggeration to say that this is the stuff of nightmares, isn't it?- Absolutely.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Are you on therapy for this or medication?
0:09:56 > 0:10:01I mean, to see a pot detached from its base, that's sorry, isn't it?
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Yes, it is. I could be on medication if you tell me any worse.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08You hold on to that while I look at the base.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- With pots, you always look at the base, don't you?- You certainly do.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15And this gives away its pedigree.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17So we've got Doulton Lambeth
0:10:17 > 0:10:21and this is going to be some time, I think, in the 1880s.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- What is important is this monogram, isn't it? "ES."- Yeah.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- Give us the name.- Eliza Simmons. - Eliza Simmons.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32'A decorator working for Henry Doulton in the 1880s,
0:10:32 > 0:10:36'her exquisite work is some of the most collectable of Doulton pottery.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40'Richard hopes our restorer can fix his up for auction.'
0:10:40 > 0:10:42What's it worth as it is...?
0:10:42 > 0:10:48Oh, dear me. To be honest with you, as it is, it's £100 sort of a thing.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53Isn't it, really? Do you mind me asking what you paid for the thing?
0:10:53 > 0:10:57I paid 160 for it which, to me, was a steal at the time.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59I think you're absolutely right.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03The good news, I think, is it's quite a tidy break.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07There's only a few little bits that are missing on the surface.
0:11:07 > 0:11:13I'm just wondering what on earth our ceramic restorer is going to say about this?
0:11:13 > 0:11:19'Luckily, Roger Hawkins is one of the country's leading experts in ceramic restoration.
0:11:19 > 0:11:25'He's handled everything from Egyptian antiquities to priceless Meissen vases.'
0:11:25 > 0:11:31Let's get my professional's magnifying glass out because I think I can see...
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Yes, if it's any consolation,
0:11:37 > 0:11:40probably if your glass shelf hadn't collapsed,
0:11:40 > 0:11:43this would have eventually collapsed anyway
0:11:43 > 0:11:49because where it's broken away from there, that's a firing fault. That happened in the factory.
0:11:49 > 0:11:55There may have been a bit of moisture in the clay when it was fired
0:11:55 > 0:11:58or it might have been the way it was potted.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03Whatever reason, there's a manufacturing fault there, so that was a weak spot.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08- Any slight bump and that would have given away.- That's interesting. - It HAS given away.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12So, for me to restore and disguise what is the damage
0:12:12 > 0:12:15would mean gluing it, filling it
0:12:15 > 0:12:19and if I do any over-painting to hide these little chips here,
0:12:19 > 0:12:24but to do that and to spend the time on that and doing it very, very carefully,
0:12:24 > 0:12:29I would see about £100-worth of my time and labour in doing that.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Yeah, OK, we'll go for it.
0:12:32 > 0:12:38'So, Richard has agreed to the repairs, but he's already forked out £160 for the vase.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41'Add on Roger's 100 and it's getting a bit pricey.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44'I only hope it reaches the top end
0:12:44 > 0:12:47'of my £300 to £400 estimate at auction.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52'Coming up, a £5 bargain hides a surprise secret.'
0:12:52 > 0:12:56If I wanted to pick that up from a gallery,
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- they're going to charge me £500 for it.- How much?!
0:13:03 > 0:13:09'Here at Burghley, Barry's working tirelessly on the damaged silver rattle.
0:13:09 > 0:13:15'There's a whacking great hole where the handle used to be, but he hopes to disguise this with a new plate,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19'created using the same sterling silver that the body's made out of.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23'First, he cuts and files it into a perfect circle,
0:13:23 > 0:13:27'then uses a traditional technique to shape it into a dome.'
0:13:27 > 0:13:30I like to restore things in the manner that it was made
0:13:30 > 0:13:34and this is how it would have been made originally.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38'These traditional techniques are key to hiding the repairs,
0:13:38 > 0:13:43'along with a silver solder that should attach it seamlessly.'
0:13:44 > 0:13:48What I'm doing now is heating up to an even temperature,
0:13:48 > 0:13:54so both the new cap and the original body are the same temperature.
0:13:54 > 0:14:00And this will allow the solder to run evenly and freely all the way round,
0:14:00 > 0:14:06being careful not to overheat it, otherwise the little rings will drop off as well.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09I'm going to put a piece of solder on the top,
0:14:09 > 0:14:13then I will apply the ring to that.
0:14:14 > 0:14:21'Hold your breath. It will take a steady hand to position that handle dead centre.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26'I just hope our tiny silver rattle can withstand being heated to 630 degrees.
0:14:33 > 0:14:39'Here's another piece right up my street - a miraculous find brought in by Margaret Barber.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42'It's a glass bottle made by the renowned Rene Lalique
0:14:42 > 0:14:46'and contained an essence called Imprudence.'
0:14:46 > 0:14:49I'm intrigued to know where you got it.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52I bought it from a bric-a-brac stall.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56I didn't realise it was Lalique until quite a few years later.
0:14:56 > 0:15:02I don't know why I hadn't looked on the bottom, but it was a bit of a shock when I found it was Lalique.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- I bet it was. How much did you pay for it?- Only a few pounds.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Under £5 probably. £5, something like that.
0:15:09 > 0:15:15'What a find! It's so rare to stumble upon a piece like this. Impressive stuff.'
0:15:15 > 0:15:19Its original intention is probably for toilet water
0:15:19 > 0:15:23or if you're feeling flush, if you pardon the pun, it could be for cologne.
0:15:23 > 0:15:29'Collectors are always sniffing around Lalique scent bottles, even slightly chipped ones.'
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- So this is the damage?- Yes, it's chipped, isn't it? It's broken.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36It was like that when I bought it.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41On Restoration Roadshow, we are here to say when to restore and when not to restore.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45In a situation like that, I wouldn't lose any sleep.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49'Repairing the chip would involve grinding, then polishing the glass.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52'It could crack, so it's best left well alone.'
0:15:52 > 0:15:57Is it something that you're thinking of sending to auction or...?
0:15:57 > 0:16:01Well, I don't particularly think it's worth very much really.
0:16:01 > 0:16:07Whether it's worth very much is relative to you because if I wanted to pick that up from a gallery,
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- they're going to charge me £500 for it.- How much?!- £500.
0:16:12 > 0:16:19- Crikey!- If you were to sell at auction, they'd probably estimate it at 300 to 500, something like that.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- So, not bad for a fiver, is it? - No, it isn't, is it?
0:16:24 > 0:16:30- Let me ask you again. Are you thinking of selling this at auction? - Yes!- I think we would, yes.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Prompted by my husband at the back!
0:16:33 > 0:16:37Can you think of a very good cause to spend the money on?
0:16:37 > 0:16:40It would help to pay for a holiday for my grandchildren.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45'So, the Lalique bottle is off to auction with no restoration.
0:16:45 > 0:16:51'I reckon this superb steal could fetch £300 to £500, despite the chip on the stopper.
0:16:51 > 0:16:57'But will our bidders sense a bargain? We'll find out later when it goes under the hammer.'
0:17:05 > 0:17:10'Here in Lincolnshire, Lucia is surface-cleaning the 300-year-old family crest.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14'Under the scrutiny of those fetching magnifying glasses,
0:17:14 > 0:17:18'it seems that all that glitters is not gold.'
0:17:18 > 0:17:21It's not until you start cleaning properly
0:17:21 > 0:17:25that you start to learn what's going on in the surface.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27And this is very interesting
0:17:27 > 0:17:32because all these yellow areas which I thought earlier may have been gold
0:17:32 > 0:17:36are in fact a tinted varnish.
0:17:36 > 0:17:42And it's a tinted varnish over silver metal leaf to make it look like gold.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46And all these little white flecks that you can see in these areas here
0:17:46 > 0:17:49are actually silver metal.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52And it was a cheap way of gilding.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57I say "cheap", the metal was obviously silver and cheaper than gold,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00but the process itself was quite a technique.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04You have to have quite a talented craftsman doing that.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10'Next, Lucia applies a protective layer of varnish,
0:18:10 > 0:18:14'but with the panel nailed into its frame, it's no easy job.
0:18:14 > 0:18:20'She has to make sure the varnish doesn't collect at the edges, but she can't hang around either.'
0:18:20 > 0:18:26I have to work fairly quickly because you've got the evaporation rate of the varnish.
0:18:26 > 0:18:32And I need to get the whole lot covered before it starts drying. That's it for now.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36'So, can Lucia bring this grotty relic back to life
0:18:36 > 0:18:40'without stripping away any more of that precious gold tint?
0:18:42 > 0:18:45'Remember that broken Eliza Simmons vase?
0:18:45 > 0:18:51'Ceramics restorer Roger Hawkins couldn't do much with it here, so he's taken it back to his workshop.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56'He needs a bit of peace and, importantly, the right tools for the job.
0:18:56 > 0:19:02'Gluing its base was the easy bit, but he's having a far tougher time deciding how to hide the break.'
0:19:02 > 0:19:05The problem I've got with this one
0:19:05 > 0:19:09is if you can see from there
0:19:09 > 0:19:14all the way round to there,
0:19:14 > 0:19:18that's not the damage, that's the firing fault.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20So that's part of its history
0:19:20 > 0:19:25and it would be quite wrong for me to fill all that and over-paint it
0:19:25 > 0:19:27because that's where it broke.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32So the best thing I can do on this is leave it alone and not do any more.
0:19:32 > 0:19:38I could perhaps, I think, put a clear filler along here,
0:19:38 > 0:19:42just to fill the join in,
0:19:42 > 0:19:48so that it doesn't absorb any airborne pollution and dirt over the years and gradually get worse.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53The break will be visible, but we should leave it as it is.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55'That's a big call from Roger.
0:19:55 > 0:20:01'With the firing fault plain for all to see, will the bidders still buy it at auction?
0:20:01 > 0:20:07'Back at glorious Burghley, the Restoration Roadshow is drawing to a close.
0:20:07 > 0:20:13'Our experts have had a field day fixing up broken and neglected family treasures.
0:20:13 > 0:20:19'Now it's crunch time as we reveal their handiwork. Liz brought in a 19th century silver rattle.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24'Having belonged to her mother and grandmother, it's of great sentimental value.
0:20:24 > 0:20:30'But after years of use and abuse, it was in a terrible state, including a huge hole in the top.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35'It was so damaged, silver expert Barry had to make a new top plate from scratch
0:20:35 > 0:20:42'and carefully match it to the original silver work. But will he impress? It's the moment of truth.'
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- I hope you like this.- I know I will. - It'll be a great surprise to you.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- Look at that! - You can't see the join.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54You cannot see... You cannot see anything.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00I actually am lost for words. Barry, that is just...
0:21:00 > 0:21:05That is fantastic. I can't thank you enough. It's wonderful.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10'Before, this injured little rattle almost brought tears to my eyes,
0:21:10 > 0:21:16'but now with a perfectly shaped plate and re-attached handle, it lives to shake again.'
0:21:16 > 0:21:21I have to compliment you, Barry, because that is not so much a restoration.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- That's more of a resurrection. - Thank you very much.
0:21:24 > 0:21:30'Thanks to Barry, Liz and her family can enjoy this toy for generations to come.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33'It's a great end to a great day. We've met some lovely folk
0:21:33 > 0:21:38'who have delighted us with their heirlooms and finds.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43'Some are going home like Liz's newly restored silver rattle, but others are off to auction
0:21:43 > 0:21:49'like Margaret's remarkable Lalique perfume bottle that didn't really warrant restoring.'
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Not bad for a fiver.- No, it isn't.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57'And Richard's Eliza Simmons vase that was in desperate need of expert attention.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01'Fingers crossed, they'll both do well at auction.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05'But first, it's time to reunite Kent with his family crest.
0:22:05 > 0:22:11'It's been a labour of love for Lucia, cleaning over 300 years of family history
0:22:11 > 0:22:15'without causing further damage, but will Kent appreciate her efforts?'
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Oh, wow!
0:22:17 > 0:22:20That looks quite a bit better.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- You can see the colours.- You can see the reds in it now.- Yeah.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29You can see the blacks, you can read the image and the coat of arms
0:22:29 > 0:22:33and you've got the three cockerels' heads that are quite clear.
0:22:33 > 0:22:39'Before, this unique family heirloom was smothered in layers of grime and discoloured varnish.
0:22:39 > 0:22:45'Now its colours shine through for all to see, but is it good enough to grace the walls of Kent's new home?'
0:22:45 > 0:22:50Thank you very much. It's great to be able to take it home in a state like this.
0:22:50 > 0:22:56- Good. I hope you hang it on the wall now and enjoy it as part of your family history. It's fantastic.- Yes.
0:22:56 > 0:23:03'So that's two family treasures back where they belong. But will our auction items find new homes?'
0:23:08 > 0:23:14'The Restoration Roadshow has arrived at the Thomas Mawer Auction House in Lincoln.
0:23:14 > 0:23:20'The bidders are out in force, so let's hope they're willing to part with some of their hard-earned cash.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26'Remember the broken Eliza Simmons vase with the tricky firing fault?
0:23:26 > 0:23:30'Ceramics restorer Roger Hawkins has spent hours seamlessly repairing it,
0:23:30 > 0:23:34'but has he done enough to impress owner Richard Lenton?'
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- The last time I saw this, it was in two bits.- Absolutely.- But now...
0:23:38 > 0:23:43- That's brilliant. Can I pick it up? - Yeah, do.- Yes, the glue's set!
0:23:43 > 0:23:45LAUGHTER
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Absolutely brilliant.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49You've left the firing crack in.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54From the ethical point of view, you leave firing faults. It's part of its history.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58An inexperienced restorer would probably have tried to cover it up,
0:23:58 > 0:24:04but to fill that firing fault would have meant doing more irreversible damage in filling it.
0:24:04 > 0:24:09- Yeah, that's very, very, very good. Well done. - We have a satisfied customer.
0:24:09 > 0:24:15We do, but it all depends on whether we've got any Eliza Simmons enthusiasts
0:24:15 > 0:24:17in that auction audience today.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22If it doesn't, I'm happy to take it home. You've made a fantastic job.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24'Richard's got that look in his eye.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29'He's so taken with Roger's handiwork, he's now in two minds about selling,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32'so he's set a high reserve of £375.
0:24:34 > 0:24:40'Having bought it for £160 and spent 100 restoring it, the vase needs to reach the top end of my estimate
0:24:40 > 0:24:43'if Richard is going to be happy parting with it.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49'Let's hope our bidders are just as smitten.
0:24:50 > 0:24:56'If you are interested in buying or selling at auction, you will have commission and other charges to pay,
0:24:56 > 0:25:00'so be sure to check with the auction house.
0:25:00 > 0:25:06'Everything that's been restored will be noted in the catalogue like Richard's vase.'
0:25:06 > 0:25:12- Do you feel a slight flutter there? - Well, looking forward to it, yeah. - I am too because it's a lovely vase.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14Next lot, 567.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18- Here we go. - Eliza Simmons stoneware vase.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23And who's going to start me on this one at...£300?
0:25:23 > 0:25:25At £300? At £300?
0:25:25 > 0:25:28£200 to get it going then? £200?
0:25:28 > 0:25:32- £200? 150 then? - Oh, they're playing hard to get.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37- £100 at the back...- He's not going to buy it for £100.- Nowhere near.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40150. 180. 190.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- Nearer.- A touch nearer.- £200?
0:25:43 > 0:25:48- 220. 240. 260...- Come on, come on. - It's getting there.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- 320.- Come on.- Anyone else? At 320... - Come on.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- Oh!- Didn't sell.
0:25:54 > 0:25:59- So...- Not quite.- 320 in the room. - Yeah, almost but not quite.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04'So, Richard's wonderful vase fell short of its reserve,
0:26:04 > 0:26:07'but its restoration was money well spent
0:26:07 > 0:26:11'and having seen Roger's work, he doesn't seem too downhearted.'
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Well, if nothing else, Richard, you're going home with a testament
0:26:15 > 0:26:19that...that Roger Hawkins is one cracking restorer.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23I shouldn't use the word "cracking" where pots are concerned!
0:26:23 > 0:26:25I'm not unhappy to take it home,
0:26:25 > 0:26:29so, at the end of the day, it nearly made it, it didn't make it,
0:26:29 > 0:26:33but as far as I'm concerned, I'm not losing out really.
0:26:33 > 0:26:39'Next to go under the hammer, the remarkable glass bottle made by famous designer Rene Lalique
0:26:39 > 0:26:43'that Margaret Barber picked up for a jaw-dropping £5.'
0:26:43 > 0:26:49- Are you feeling a sense of excitement?- Yes, I am. I'm a bit nervous as well.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53You're not alone. Everybody looks as though they're cool as cucumbers,
0:26:53 > 0:26:58but they're all wondering whether they'll buy their lot or their item will sell.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03'Margaret is hoping to raise some money for a holiday with her grandchildren.
0:27:03 > 0:27:09'Despite a slight chip which wasn't worth restoring, this desirable piece could start a bidding war.'
0:27:09 > 0:27:15I know we estimated this at £300 to £500 and you have put a protective reserve on it?
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- Yes, we have - £300.- £300?- Yes.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Well, it's well worth that and more.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- How's the pulse?- Oh, it's rising.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Well, that means you're alive, doesn't it?
0:27:26 > 0:27:31- 'And our bidders are on tenterhooks too.'- 127, thank you.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Next lot, the Lalique scent bottle.
0:27:34 > 0:27:39And who'll start me on this one at £200? At £200 for the scent bottle?
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Thank you, madam. £200.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45220. 240. 260. 280.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48300. At £300.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53- 320. It's going.- Yes.- 320. - It's going now.- 320.- I've sold it.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- 340 at the back.- 340.- 360.- 360.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59360, lady's bid at 360. Are you out?
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Lady's bid at £360. At £360 then...
0:28:02 > 0:28:07- 360...- It's gone.- It's gone. - Thank you very much.- Well done.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10I never had any idea it was worth as much as that.
0:28:10 > 0:28:18'That's over £350 profit, less auction fees. Not bad, considering Margaret only forked out a fiver.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20'It's been a pretty successful day in Lincoln
0:28:20 > 0:28:27'and thanks to our experts, a whole host of tired, broken and neglected objects have been given a new life
0:28:27 > 0:28:29'and some even new homes.'
0:28:29 > 0:28:35Join us again and marvel at the skill of those expert restorers on Restoration Roadshow.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2010
0:29:02 > 0:29:05Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk